Dordogne (or Perigord) is a beautiful region with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. For foodies, it is known as the duck, truffle, and foie gras capital of France.
It is known for its numerous castles, hence the nickname of the “Land of 1001 Castles.”
Périgord is also home to several charming medieval villages perched atop cliffs overlooking the river below and offer stunning countryside views.
We taste some of the delicious local cuisine and some of the most traditional foods of Périgord. This incredible wine region produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux Blend in the world.
Who would have thought to find one of the most beautiful regions in France a mere two hours’ drive from the Bordeaux airport? If you’re looking for a truly French experience, Périgord is it!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: MONDAY 12Th JUNE 2023 – BORDEAUX
Arrival at Bordeaux airport and pick up by your driver.
FOOD TOUR:
Bordeaux is one of the most beautiful cities in France, it is also very gourmand! The wine capital unveils its specialties thanks to our Bordeaux Food Tour. From canelé to wine via magret or coffee, our itineraries take you into the heart of Bordeaux life for a local experience which will prove to be original, friendly, and tasty!
Welcome dinner including drinks.
DAY 2: TUESDAY 13TH OF JUNE 2023 – ARCACHON
Route to Arcachon; visit at leisure of the winter city and its traditional villas. Cruise on the Bay (oyster tasting)
Lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, head to the Dune du Pilat highest sand Dune in Europe. From the top, you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the bay and the surrounding ocean.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: WEDNSDAY 14TH OF JUNE 2023 – ST EMILION – SARLAT
After breakfast, head to St Emilion. For many decades, this picturesque town has been an economic and religious centre attracting royals, winegrowers and pilgrims. Guided tour of the village and its underground church.
Lunch at leisure.
In the afternoon, visit this historic property of Chateau de Pressac, Grand Cru Classé of Saint Émilion, located on an exceptional and breath-taking site. Discover its terroirs as well as the local grape varieties. Learn the secrets of wine making and aging in barrels. We will make you taste our wines during a blind tasting. Tasting of 4 wines (Rosé du Château de Pressac and 3 red wines) with savoury accompaniments.
Dinner at leisure.
DAY 4: THURSDAY 15TH OF JUNE 2023 – SARLAT – ROCAMADOUR
Guided tour of Sarlat and its market, capital of the black Perigord. The town is known to feature the highest density of listed historical buildings per square foot in France! As you stroll through the paved streets of the medieval town, remember to raise your eyes and observe the architectural treasures around you. Lunch at Leisure.
Continuation to the Gouffre of Padirac. In an area honeycombed with geological caves, this one is topping the charts. It is a huge sinkhole leading down to an underground river where you will board on a punt boat leading by a guide who will take you to the discovery of this labyrinth of stunning formations, turquoise lake and chambers of stalactites and stalagmites.
Time at Leisure in the holy village of Rocamadour, a Centre of Christianity. Built on 3 successive levels, Rocamadour is a place of legend and history where old stone houses, majestic towers and a castle keep cascade off the cliff into the Alzou Canyon.
Lunch at leisure.
Dinner at a local restaurant
DAY 5: FRIDAY 16TH OF JUNE 2023 – LA ROQUE GAGEAC – CHATEAU DE MILANDES
Visit of the Milandes Castle, built in 1489, this charming castle with its magnificent Gothic features is a great example of Renaissance architecture. However, what makes this castle most famous for is because Josephine Baker bought it. An exhibition is dedicated to her life.
Route to La Roque-Gageac, with its brown roof tiles, typical rooftops, and breath-taking landscapes, it is an invitation to daydream. The best way to take in all this beauty is to board a cruise on a traditional wooden boat.
Lunch & visit at Turnac Farm where they produce the world famous Fois Gras.
Dinner at leisure
DAY 6: SATURDAY 17TH OF JUNE 2023 – COLONGE LA ROUGE – TRUFFLE FARM
Discover Collonges-la-Rouge. From its berry red walls and torrent of flowers to its rich heritage, Collonges-la-Rouge promises a ‘Kodak moment’ in every corner. A must see village in the heart of the Dordogne Valley. Visit and tasting of a black truffle farm, to discover the entire secrets of France’ Black diamond.
Lunch at the Truffle Farm.
After lunch a visit and demonstration of a walnut oil mill.
Dinner at Leisure.
DAY 7: SUNDAY 18th OF JUNE 2023 – PUYMARTIN
Visit of the castle of Puymartin. This castle whose foundations date back to the 13th century (1270) was destroyed during the Hundred Years War, rebuilt in 15th century (1450) restored in 19th century (1890) It keeps tapestries, furniture, objects and mythological cabinet in grisaille (visited by appointment only). Puymartin is known to be hunted by the spirit of the White Lady.
Lunch at Leisure in Beynac and visit the gardens of Marqueyssac. Listed as a National Historical Monument, surrounding a stone tiled château from the early 19th Century, the romantic and picturesque Marqueyssac Gardens offer over 6km of pathways, with viewpoints, rockeries, and stone cabins. Situated on a rocky spur, the viewpoint offers one of the most impressive panoramic views of the valley and its many châteaux.
Farewell dinner including drinks.
DAY 8: MONDAY 19TH OF JUNE 2023
After breakfast, drive to Brive la Gaillarde.
Visit the Denoix Distillery a major liqueur manufacturer established in 1839. They perpetuate the famed know-how of 19th century liqueur makers, thereby guaranteeing the quality of the walnut, plant and fruit-based liqueurs and aperitifs.
Afternoon. Board flight to Paris and depart France.
HOTELS
SEZE HOTEL BORDEAUX ****
Two generations have pooled their talents and experience to restore Hotel de Sèze to its former glory. Situated in the heart of Bordeaux, midway between la Place des Quinconces and the iconic Allées de Tourny, this historic Bordelais establishment opens the doors to its four-star environment for you.
NAAD BOUTIQUE HOTEL SARLAT ***
Ideal pied-à-terre to discover the Dordogne in any season, the Naâd hotel is located at the gates of the pedestrianized town centre of Sarlat-la-Canéda , capital of the Périgord Noir.
Enjoy comfortable 3-star rooms at affordable prices and attentive services in one of the most beautiful hotels in the Dordogne, whose warm welcome has earned it the best reviews. In the heart of town, this charming establishment invites you to stay on foot, a few steps from the restaurants of the historic centre, the market, and the medieval shopping streets.
END OF OUR SERVICES
RATES- LAND PACKAGE COST
Per person sharing: EUR 3156 (± R63,100)
Single Supplement: EUR 580 (±R11,500)
The South African Rand rate quoted above is based on the average exchange rate with the Euro. Should the rate of exchange increase to above EUR 1.00 / ZAR 19.80 we reserve the right to adjust the price accordingly. All flights are excluded.
Deposit: 30% deposit upon confirmation, remaining balance to be paid 45 days prior
INCLUDED
- Meet and greet upon arrival.
- Services of a qualified English-speaking local driver and guide throughout the tour.
- All transport in a luxury air-conditioned mini coach.
- 7 nights’ accommodation in four/three-star hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners.
- All sightseeing and excursions as specified.
- Marita van der Vyver as hostess on the tour.
EXCLUDED
- All international flights and airport taxes (quoted and booked separately).
- Visa Fees (± R2174 including Capago fee for South African Passport Holders)
- Driver, guide, and local escort gratuities.
- Drinks and meals not specified.
- Telephone bill, laundry, and any items of a personal nature.
- Comprehensive travel insurance. (Ask for a quote)
- Any items not specified.
NB! Comprehensive travel insurance compulsory before your first payment or buying your airline ticket!
FLIGHTS
International flights between Johannesburg / Cape Town via Paris to Bordeaux on Air France/KLM. Approximate total flight cost per person including airport taxes: start from R 14, 500 per person.
Flight costs are an estimate only and can only be confirmed on day of booking as it is subject to airport tax fluctuations.
NOTES
- This tour requires a minimum of 10 guests to offer it at the quoted price.
- Maximum tour size is 14 guests.
- South African Nationals require a visa to enter France. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after travel date, with sufficient blank pages.
Prices for flights, airport taxes, may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be payable by the traveller.
For more information contact : res@rufaro.co.za
